It seems like it should be an easy question, and for many, it might be.  But for me the question "What do you want" has been one of the most complex and challenging questions to answer. A few weeks ago I was reading an excellent book called  Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives For Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton. In the first few chapters, she shared the story of Jesus asking blind Bartimaeus "What do you want me to do for you" from Mark 10.  She went on to talk about an important spiritual practice - naming our desires.  This has always been tricky for me because the desire of my heart is to have children, and we are barren.  What do we do when our desires don't match our reality?  What do we do when the prayer for healing is answered with a no?  What do we do when our life experiences go opposite to what we want?  I've got good and bad news for you.  The good news is - I'm talking about it, the bad news is - you will not find any perfect little package in this episode or a 'how to' guide to fix all our problems.  I'm right here in the messy middle with you, holding onto the thread of hope, reflecting on Bible stories and trying to sort out the how to walk through these messy middles that don't seem to add up.  I hope that this episode brings you some comfort, knowing you're not alone. You are seen.  You are loved.  Your needs and wants matter.  Thanks for being here in the messy middle with me.